Tropical Storm Leslie: Downgraded and Expected to Weaken Further
Tropical Storm Leslie has been downgraded from a Category 2 hurricane to a tropical storm and is anticipated to weaken further over the weekend. Currently located about 1,585 miles from the Azores, the storm is moving north-northeast and is expected to turn towards the east-northeast, detaching from the U.S. with winds decreasing from 90 mph to 50 mph. The NHC forecasts a transition to a post-tropical cyclone in the coming days.
Tropical Storm Leslie, which at one time achieved Category 2 hurricane status, has been recently downgraded and is currently classified as a tropical storm. As it continues its journey across the Atlantic, it is expected to further diminish in strength over the weekend. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been monitoring this tropical disturbance closely. As of Friday at approximately 11 a.m. ET, Leslie was situated about 1,585 miles from the Azores, moving in a north-northeast direction at approximately 10 miles per hour. Forecast models indicate that the storm will shift its trajectory towards the northeast while increasing its speed on Friday night. Moving into the weekend, projections suggest that Leslie will redirect east-northeast, thus drifting away from the United States. The maximum sustained winds, which registered at 90 miles per hour on Thursday morning, decreased to around 50 miles per hour by Friday, with the NHC anticipating that Leslie will continue to weaken into a post-tropical cyclone within the upcoming days. Included within the NHC’s forecasts are various models, though only the most reliable ones are utilized for accuracy in predictions.
Tropical Storm Leslie began as a hurricane in the Atlantic, specifically reaching Category 2 status, which indicates significant strength. However, as weather patterns evolved, the storm has sustained reductions in intensity, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to categorize it as a tropical storm. Discussions surrounding such storms are vital not only for regional safety but also for the meteorological analysis that aids in understanding and predicting storm behaviors, particularly in relation to their paths and potential impacts on land masses.
In summary, Tropical Storm Leslie has transitioned from a hurricane to a tropical storm and is expected to continue its weakening trend. With forecasts highlighting its shift away from the United States and a decrease in wind strength, the cyclone’s lifecycle appears to be nearing its conclusion as it is predicted to become a post-tropical system soon. Monitoring by the NHC is crucial for providing updated tracking and forecasts as Leslie progresses along its current trajectory.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
